Celebrated biannually, the Lighthouse Awards provides an opportunity to pause, reflect and acknowledge the incredible people who bring the purpose and values of Macquarie University Health to life every single day.

“Across the faculty, hospital and clinics, this program shines a light on the outstanding contributions of our colleagues, volunteers and partners – those who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients and students. It is about recognising not just what we achieve, but how we achieve it,” said Professor Patrick McNeil, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Medicine and Health).

Mary-Elizabeth Denmark was one of the staff recognised for her exceptional care, a value that focuses on deep respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of our community. Mary-Elizabeth is a senior executive assistant who meets patients, staff and students every day.

Her nominations noted her 'genuine kindness', 'thoughtful guidance' and 'dedication to make a meaningful difference every single day'.

“I work alongside colleagues who genuinely care for each other, our students, patients and their carers. To be singularly recognised in this category is a deep honour,” said Mary-Elizabeth.

“I love that Macquarie University Health is unique in Australia. It attracts staff who are looking to be more than just a cog in the wheel. On our most challenging days, what grounds us, keeps us focused and turning up, is a sense that we each contribute to making a difference in someone’s life whether that’s our colleagues, patients or students.”

The awards are presented across six categories, aligning with the values of Macquarie University Health: Caring, integrity, teamwork, ambition, innovation and empowerment. Professor McNeil announced a new award category, ‘One Enterprise Mindset’. This award recognises that collective success comes from putting our shared mission ahead of an individual, team or unit and that true integration is built through every decision made together.

In the six months prior to the awards ceremony, 148 nominations were received, with ‘Teamwork’ being the most popular category.

Professor McNeil said, “These moments are seen, celebrated and shared because recognising each other strengthens our culture, inspires us all, and reminds us of the impact we make together.”

Congratulations to the winners

• Ambition: Abby Fyfe (Clinical Nurse Consultant – Lung Cancer) and Ben Rolton (Student Case Management Team Lead)
• Caring: Kannika Sullivan (Sonographer) and Mary-Elizabeth Denmark (Senior Executive Assistant)
• Empowerment: Emily Hill (Senior Lecturer – Health Sciences and Nursing) and Jyoti Singh (Educational Governance and Initiatives Manager)
• Innovation: Hari Raju (Clinical Director Cardiology) and James Landrigan (Learning Designer)
• Integrity: Riegel Mercado (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and Yukiko Sakamoto (Clinical Nurse Consultant)
• Teamwork: Chiara Suarez (Work Integrated Learning Team Leader) and IT Operations Team in 75T
• One Enterprise Mindset: Abdul Zakaria (Hospital and Clinics Security)

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